Durban protests highlight nationwide outrage over Cwecwe case
Protesters in Durban demand justice for 7-year-old Cwecwe, highlighting national outrage over gender-based violence and child safety in schools.
The streets of Durban were filled with anger and solidarity as hundreds of protesters marched in support of 7-year-old Cwecwe, who was allegedly sexually assaulted at her school in the Eastern Cape while waiting for transport.
The demonstration underscored growing national frustration over gender-based violence and the demand for justice for young victims.
Call for justice for Cwecwe resonates in Durban
The march began at Gugu Dlamini Park and concluded at the Department of Education, Truro House, on Tuesday, 1 April 2025. Protesters carried signs and banners expressing their support for Cwecwe and demanding action against child abuse in schools.
Speaking to The South African, Ntombifuthi Buthelezi, a third-year journalism student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), emphasized the importance of unity in fighting for justice.
“I feel very happy seeing people from different areas come together to fight for a child that does not have the voice and courage to stand for herself,” she said.
She further highlighted the painful reality that many survivors of gender-based violence never receive justice.
“Seeing that a lot of people have faced sexual assault and have been killed but did not get justice is sad. So today we are correcting that mistake and making sure that anyone who has been sexually assaulted or died as a result of GBV gets justice. I am really proud of South Africa. The fight continues,” she added.
Parents stand in solidarity for Cwecwe and all children
Among those marching was Silindile Mkhize, a mother of a six-year-old boy, who expressed her deep emotional connection to the cause.
“I feel very touched by today’s march and I also would’ve come with my son since it doesn’t matter whether the child is a boy or girl—even if it’s a neighbour’s child, that child is still my child. That is why I am here today to support and say Justice for Cwecwe,” said Mkhize.
The education department urged to act
The Head of the Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Nkosinathi Ngcobo, was handed a memorandum by the protesters and given 48 hours to respond. Addressing the crowd, Ngcobo assured them that the issue was being taken seriously.
“Even we as the Department of Basic Education in KwaZulu-Natal do not condone what has occurred. We acknowledge that this happened in another province, but we are also not condoning this behavior. Therefore, we will send the memorandum to where they will take further steps. We trust in the SAPS that they will arrest the perpetrator,” he stated.
As the demand for justice grows louder, South Africans continue to rally behind Cwecwe and other victims of gender-based violence, calling for systemic change and accountability.